February 21, 2014 10:12am ESTFebruary 20, 2014 11:21pm ESTLooking for a loaded position in the 2014 NFL Draft? Two words: offensive tackles. SN's Vinnie Iyer finds the best fit for the best players, all of whom have power, size, athletic ability and a pedigree of success.Jake Matthews(AP Photo)

INDIANAPOLIS — Offensive tackles dominated the top of the 2013 NFL Draft. That group is about to be blown out of the water by an even stronger 2014 class.

Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher (Chiefs) and Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel (Jaguars) went 1-2 last April, and they were joined by Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson (Eagles) and Alabama’s D.J. Fluker (Chargers) in the top 11. Now consider this:

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“When you stack up the best four tackles in this year’s class, you would put them ahead of those two (Fisher and Joeckel),” an AFC scout told Sporting News before the Scouting Combine.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that not one of those four — Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, Auburn’s Greg Robinson, Michigan’s Taylor Lewan and Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio — is expected to be the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick this May. The elite left tackles combine to form a formidale foursome. And just outside of them is Notre Dame's Zack Martin, who may be more dominant at guard.

Jake of all trades

Beyond the fact that Matthews (6-5, 308) has great Hall of Fame genes, scouts love that he has a polished all-around game. Whether it’s left tackle or right tackle, a spread option or pro-style offense, zone or man blocking scheme, he’s experienced and has thrived through it all.

Best fit: Rams at No. 2. St. Louis needs to replace Jake Long at left tackle, and it doesn’t hurt that Jeff Fisher once coached Jake Matthews’ father, Bruce, with the Tennessee Titans.

Robinson the riser

While first helping Auburn get to the BCS National Championship Game against Florida State, and then standing out against the Seminoles’ loaded defense, Robinson’s stock shot up to the point that he is now challenging Matthews.

Then he decided to measure at a bigger 6-foot-5 and 332 pounds, having added bulk to his super-athletic frame. He might be able to edge Matthews for good before May if he puts on a dazzling display during his Saturday workout.

Best fit: Falcons at No. 6. Quarterback Matt Ryan deserves a franchise pass protector who can also wake up the Falcons’ dormant running game.

Taylor the tactician

When asked about his defining moment in college, Lewan (6-7, 309) pointed to the 2013 Outback Bowl performance against Jadeveon Clowney.

Lewan prides himself on his consistency, and his ability to slow down intimidating pass rushers by using great technique film study. There has been a long history of mighty Michigan offensive linemen (see Jake Long above), but Lewan's size, quickness and attention to detail could make him the best yet.

Best fit: Giants at No. 12. After taking Justin Pugh to start at right tackle in last year’s first round, New York still needs a bookend. After a rough season, adding Lewan would make Eli Manning ecstatic.

Cyrus the great mauler

Kouandjio, even with his seasoning at left tackle in Alabama’s pro-style offense, is the least polished pass protector of the group. He’s only 21, but he did please everyone with awesome measurements (6-7, 322) at the Combine.

Kouandjio is, however, the best pure run blocker on the board. Although he wasn’t quite the same without help from Fluker and Chance Warmack (Titans first-rounder in 2013) at Alabama, there’s no doubt that when he’s on, he overpowers opponents in the ground game.

At one point he was projected to be the best in this class. Even if he needs to start out at the more run-friendly right tackle in the NFL, he could eventually dominate at left tackle if he develops the athleticism to match his size.

Best fit: Steelers at No. 15. With running back Le’Veon Bell and guard David DeCastro as recent picks, they have been building a power run game.